PEORIA — The central Illinois community rose to the occasion Thursday to support the two 8-year-old girls who were robbed of their lemonade stand two days ago.

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, upon hearing the disheartening tale of Taylor Haddock and Aly Ortega’s stolen lemonade stand, started brainstorming a way to reimburse the girls Thursday morning. Later that afternoon, Jeff Griffin, president of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, stood on the front lawn of the Haddock’s home to present the girls with an honorary membership into the Chamber of Commerce along with two $50 gift cards for area businesses.

“Like any parent, I was sad that someone would steal from young children running a lemonade stand,” Griffin said. “Then we started to think, ‘Hey, this is a small business. How can we help them?’ We wanted the girls to know we’re there to support every business in town.”

The Chamber of Commerce wasn’t the only place that took action, anonymous benefactors had dropped off money at the house at intervals throughout the day. Others drove up and down the 2300 block of North Renwood Avenue, looking for the revamped lemonade stand the girls began immediately after the robbery. The girls graciously told the searchers the stand would be running again this weekend.

Walter Haddock, Taylor’s father, was impressed by the waves of generosity toward the girls Thursday. It reminded him of his roots growing up in a small town.

“I’m from a small town where we all take care of each other,” Haddock said. “That’s what it feels like today.”

Thomas Bruch can be reached at 686-3188 or tbruch@pjstar.com. Follow her on Twitter @ThomasBruch.